If you want to keep your heart healthy, you need to add healthy drinks and foods to your diet. Here are 5 healthy drinks for a healthy heart you must try!
Love, compassion, and relationships – the heart is often linked to these things but what about its importance in maintaining your overall health? People don’t take care of their cardiovascular health as much as they should. Did you know cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world? This should be reason enough to take care of your heart health every single day, and not just when a medical emergency strikes. If you don’t know where to begin, start by incorporating healthy eating habits into your routine. Why don’t you try some healthy juices for a healthy heart?
Health Shots reached out to Nutritionist Neha Ranglani to know the best healthy juices for a healthy heart you must try.
5 healthy juices for a healthy heart
Before we learn about healthy juices for a healthy heart, you cannot solely rely on them. Here are some healthy juices that you must try for the sake of your heart health:
1. Beetroot juice
Beetroot is high in nitrates, which help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. These are factors that increase heart disease risk, says Ranglani. However, people with kidney stones or prone to oxalate-containing kidney stones should consume beetroot juice in moderation.
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2. Green leafy vegetable juice
One of the healthiest drinks, green leafy vegetable juice is good for your heart as well. How could blending some fruits and veggies not be healthy? Spinach, kale and Swiss chard – you can add any of these to make a healthy concoction to keep heart health in check. Packed with the goodness of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, green leafy vegetable juice reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation, which in turn helps support heart health.
While green leafy vegetable juice is good for your health, people who take blood thinners should consult their doctors before consuming large amounts of leafy greens due to their vitamin K content.
3. Pomegranate juice
A study published in Nutrition Reviews found that pomegranate is a polyphenol-rich fruit that contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Pomegranates are also rich in polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress and lower blood pressure, two risk factors for heart diseases.
While pomegranate juice can help reduce heart disease risk, individuals on certain medications like statins or blood pressure medication should check with their healthcare provider to check for any problems or risks.
4. Citrus juice
Do you like starting your day with freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice? Well, citrus fruits are high in fibre, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, says the nutritionist.
Citrus juices are generally safe to drink, but people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should avoid them as they may exacerbate symptoms.
5. Tomato juice
Another good addition to a heart-healthy diet is tomato juice. A study published in the International Journal of Midlife Health and Beyond found that drinking tomato juice helps reduce LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Ranglani explains, “Tomato juice contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health by reducing inflammation and LDL cholesterol levels.”
While tomato juice is good for your health, it may aggravate the problem in people with acid reflux or sensitive stomach.
What else you can do to keep your heart healthy?
While juices are healthy for you, they can’t rely completely on these juices for a healthy heart. Here are some expert-recommended tips to keep your heart healthy:
1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Engage in regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
3. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
4. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
5. Get regular check-ups and screenings to monitor heart health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, and take the right kind of supplements and measures to rectify these levels.
The best time to drink juices to keep your heart health in check!
You can drink healthy drinks any time of the day. Ranglani recommends drinking healthy juices depending on your individual preferences and lifestyle. Whether you want to kickstart your day with a healthy juice or you like to drink it in the evening as a snack, it is up to you when you want to drink these juices. So, listen to your body and choose a time that works best for you, ensuring that you’re incorporating them into a balanced diet.